CMU student reflects on her transformative experience at CMU

For Autumn Lowe, her three years at CMU have been a journey of growth, learning, and unexpected combinations that have shaped her both academically and personally.

“My experience at CMU has definitely taught me some lessons,” Autumn shares. “I’ve learned how to stay organized and on top of my work so that I don’t fall behind. I color-code everything and try to meet with professors ahead of time, because it can be difficult knowing I’ll have to miss classes for my extracurricular activities.”

But Autumn’s growth hasn’t been limited to academic skills. “I’ve learned basic friendship lessons, too,” she says with a smile. “Not everyone you meet in college is going to stay your friend, and that’s okay. Along the way, I’ve picked up some practical skills here and there, but what really stands out is InSciTE.”

Through InSciTE, Autumn has developed skills that reach far beyond a single class. “InSciTE teaches me things I can use in my other classes. It’s helped me make friends I know will be in the same classes as me, and who I can rely on when I need help. It’s also taught me leadership skills, presenting, confidence, and stepping up when nobody else does.”

Leadership is something Autumn knows well. As the current company commander for ROTC, she balances responsibility and decisiveness daily. “ROTC is teaching me how to lead not only by example, but also by helping others. Making sure people get what they need, answering questions, even ones I find myself asking, can be challenging, but it teaches me to be decisive and act in the moment.”

Interestingly, Autumn has found that combining ROTC and InSciTE, along with her involvement in cheerleading, has created a unique but rewarding mix of experiences. “ROTC included with InSciTE is definitely a combo, but one I’m not hesitant about. I cheer for CMU, so I’m used to ‘weird’ or unusual combinations that are different but similar,” she laughs.

She notes that the leadership and confidence she has gained extend far beyond the classroom. “When I’m in uncertain situations in other classes, the skills I learned in InSciTE, like presenting, taking charge, and giving useful feedback, really come in handy. And tools like the ouch-oops tool? They’re great for everyday life, not just academics.”

For Autumn, CMU has been about more than grades, it’s been a place to grow, lead, and connect. “I really do appreciate InSciTE and ROTC. Together, they’ve given me the skills, friendships, and confidence to thrive, both in college and beyond,” she says.